Since arriving in Congress, Senator Bennet has shown his commitment to real, sensible reform, working with me toward the same goals I outlined this evening -- and I want to thank him for his leadership on this issue. He's traveled all across the state of Colorado, holding town hall meetings in small towns and big cities, and he hasn't stopped standing up for real health reform that will get our economy moving again and help to bring the deficit under control.

Given Obama's politically weakened position, his blessing doesn't mean as much as it might have six months ago. Nonetheless, the note suggests that the Democratic establishment will rally around Bennet, leaving Romanoff to make new friends of his own.